Have you just got a shiny new car, but find yourself uncomfortable with the dealer sticker adhered on its sleek surface? You wonder “how to remove dealer sticker from car”? You’re not the only one. Many of us have been there – being prevented from making our car smooth and stylish because of a dealer sticker! But don’t worry because you have us here to help.
Discover simple yet effective methods in this blog post, you’ll know how to remove dealer sticker from car in just 5 minutes. Let CustomAny guide you through the hassle-free process and say hello to a dealer-sticker-free car!
What are Dealer Stickers?
Before diving into the comprehensive guide on how to remove dealer sticker from car, what exactly are these adhesive pieces?
Dealer stickers are promotional labels affixed to a car by the dealership.
Typically, these stickers are placed on the back of the car, near the license plate, or on the windows. Dealer stickers serve as a mobile billboard for the dealer, displaying their logo, contact information, and sometimes additional details about the car or dealership. They offer dealers free advertising and promote brand visibility. It’s a marketing strategy designed to spread the word about where you got your shiny new ride.
While these dealer stickers might be beneficial for car sellers, the story is quite different for car owners. You may have different plans for your vehicle such as changing its paint color or customizing it with custom stickers and decals. In this case, you need to learn how to remove dealer sticker from car.
Is removing Dealer Stickers illegal?
Now, let’s address the burning question on your mind: Is removing those stubborn dealer stickers illegal?
The good news? Removing dealer stickers is perfectly legal. There’s no law forbidding you from removing dealer stickers. These adhesive pieces are just a marketing tool of the dealerships. They may hope their stickers stay put, but they don’t hold any legal sway once the car is in your possession. Removing dealer stickers does not break any rules.
So, to answer your question again: No, removing dealer stickers is not illegal. You can feel free to learn how to remove dealer sticker from car without any legal concerns.
How to Remove Dealer Sticker from Car
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. So, grab your toolkit and let’s get started.
You will need:
- Hairdryer or heat gun: For warming up the adhesive.
- Razor blade or plastic razor blade: To lift the edges of the sticker.
- Rubbing alcohol, WD-40, or baking soda and cooking oil mixture: For removing adhesive residue.
- Soft cloth or microfiber towel: For wiping and cleaning surfaces.
- Bucket of warm water with car wash soap: For the initial washing process.
- Spray bottle: To apply cleaning agents.
Step 1: Preparation
Before diving into sticker removal, it’s crucial to prepare the battlefield. Begin by washing the decal and the surrounding area of the sticker’s spot. A clean surface allows for better traction and makes the adhesive more receptive to the upcoming removal techniques.
Why do you need to clean it?
Dirt and grime accumulation can make the sticker removal process trickier. By starting with a clean surface, you increase the effectiveness of the methods to follow.
Step 2: Removing the Dealer Sticker
Now that your car is prepped, let’s tackle that dealer sticker head-on.
- Use Heat to Loosen the Adhesive:
Grab a hairdryer or a heat gun – low heat is sufficient. Hold it about six inches away from the sticker, moving it around in a circular motion. The goal is to warm up the adhesive underneath, making it more pliable for removal.
- Peel Off the Sticker:
Once the adhesive is sufficiently heated, use your hands to start peeling off the sticker. Alternatively, you can employ a razor blade to lift the edges. Remember, the key here is to lift, not pull. Pulling forcefully may result in tearing the sticker or leaving adhesive residue behind.
- Do it Slowly:
Take your time during this process. Slow and steady wins the race. If the sticker isn’t coming off smoothly, apply heat again and repeat the lifting process until it surrenders.
Note: If you’re working on a sensitive surface or worried about potential scratches, using a plastic razor blade can be a safer alternative.
Step 3: Removing the Residue
With the dealer sticker vanquished, it’s time to tackle any leftover residue.
- Ways to Remove Residue:
Several household items can aid in removing sticky residue. Rubbing alcohol, WD-40, or a mixture of baking soda and cooking oil are your effective choices. Apply your chosen substance to the residue and gently rub in a circular motion. When you do this, it will gradually break down the adhesive, making it easier to wipe away.
- Wipe with a Damp Cloth:
Once the residue is loosened, use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining traces. A circular motion works best here as well. Ensure the cloth is damp, not soaking wet, to prevent water damage to your car’s interior.
And there you have it – a dealer-sticker-free car, restored to its pristine glory!
Final Tips:
- Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your car’s specific surface before using any cleaning agents.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the chosen method doesn’t damage the car’s paint or finish.
- Patience is key; rushing the process may lead to unintended consequences.
By following these simple yet effective steps, you’ve successfully removed that dealer sticker and residual traces, giving your car the freedom to reflect your personal style.
Last thoughts
In just five minutes reading this comprehensive guide on how to remove dealer sticker from car, you’ve learned how to reclaim your car’s beauty. Now that your car is a blank canvas, you can consider taking its appearance to the next level by adding custom stickers on it or sticker bombing it with a bunch of themed stickers.
To make your customization process even more enjoyable, we invite you to explore CustomAny’s sticker printing service. Our custom stickers, including die cut stickers, clear stickers, bumper stickers and so on, are crafted with durability, ensuring they not only look fantastic on your vehicle but also stand the test of time.
